I don’t mind confessing to you that I am a born romantic, which is a lovely way to be, in some ways, but incredibly toxic, in other respects. The biggest way romanticism fails me is that it can subject me to the delusion that life would be perfect, if only I had the perfect person in my life to serve as my friend, my lover, and my companion. It’s not that I don’t hold out hope that someday I will enjoy the fabulous love and company of just such a partner. But fixating on this hope, and putting it above all other goals, is like putting the cart before the horse. Before I can believe in the existence of a True Love relationship that would fulfill me, I have to believe in creating that relationship within myself. And that is exactly what I mean by True Love changes everything. First let me explain what True Love is not, though. True Love is not being at war with myself by living in a constant state of self-criticism, self-blame, self-sabotage, or guilt. Nor does True Love involve labeling myself incomplete or defective for not having the close and intimate relationships I see other people around me enjoying. Rather, True Love means being kind to myself. It means seeing myself through loving but honest eyes, and taking responsibility for my own well-being, instead of living in a constant state of victimhood or self-pity. True Love means having the deep awareness that I have something valuable to share with others, which is a beautiful and productive focus for each new day, and one that bounces back to benefit the way I feel tremendously. And, I think, most importantly, True Love means being happy and comfortable with myself just the way I am, always finding ways to laugh and play and enjoy my relationships with the people, places, and things around me. When I have embraced the meaning, the power, and the everyday practice of True Love, it does, indeed, change everything. ❤️‍🔥—Y.B.D.